June 27, 2025 - New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe. The team will start its preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup under the guidance of new head coach Rob Walter.

Key fast bowler Adam Milne and middle-order batsman Bevon Jacobs have been included in the squad. However, many senior players are not part of the team such as former captain Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Ben Sears, Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson.

Williamson is currently playing county cricket for Middlesex and has declared himself unavailable for the upcoming series. Sears is injured, Ferguson is resting owing to workload management, and Jamieson is staying back as he is expecting the birth of his child.

These Players Return

Meanwhile, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and captain Mitchell Santner have returned to the team. All three missed the T20I series against Pakistan because they were playing in the IPL since March.

Talking about the team, head coach Rob Walter said, "I think we have selected a very strong squad for the upcoming series. My main focus will be on keeping the team united and helping them perform well. We have a good mix of experienced players, and I’m happy to see the return of those who missed the Pakistan series due to the IPL."

Walter added, "Bevon Jacobs did very well in domestic cricket and also gained experience in different franchise leagues. This is a great chance for him to show his skills. Adam Milne is a talented T20 bowler. He has pace and bounce, and his experience will help the team. With the T20 World Cup coming up, every series is important."

New Zealand Squad for T20I Tri-Series

Mitchell Santner (Captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Jack Fox, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi.